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Ghana and Japan have renewed commitments to deepen economic cooperation and accelerate key infrastructure projects following a bilateral meeting between President John Dramani Mahama and Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on the sidelines of TICAD 9 in Yokohama.
President Mahama underscored Ghana’s vital role in Japan’s cocoa supply, noting that the country provides about 70% of Japan’s imports. He encouraged Japanese firms to invest more in Ghana’s cocoa value chain, including partnering with the Cocoa Processing Company to revamp operations and enhance value addition.
He also highlighted upcoming milestones in Ghana–Japan relations, including the centenary of Dr. Hideyo Noguchi’s arrival in Ghana and the 50th anniversary of the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) in 2027.
On infrastructure, the President stressed the importance of the Volivo Bridge over the Volta River, describing it as a crucial link along Ghana’s Eastern Corridor that connects Accra and Tema to the north and further into Burkina Faso and Niger. He emphasised its role in transporting foodstuffs such as yams and maize from northern Ghana to southern markets.
Mr Mahama expressed gratitude to Japan for the JPY 11.239 billion loan secured in 2016 for the bridge project and reiterated Ghana’s appeal for additional support, particularly grants, to close the 64% procurement gap.
Prime Minister Ishiba welcomed enhanced collaboration and reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to Ghana’s development priorities. He noted Japan’s reliance on Ghanaian cocoa and recalled the partnership that established the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research. He also assured Tokyo’s readiness to address funding gaps for priority projects.
Additionally, Japan requested Ghana’s backing for its candidate Masahiko Metoki as Director General of the Universal Postal Union’s International Bureau and support for Japan’s position on reforms to make the UN Security Council more democratic.
TICAD, the Tokyo International Conference on African Development, serves as a platform for African leaders, Japan, and global partners to advance sustainable development and investment across the continent.
